Smart plugs for dummies

[bluedog225]

Are any of you folks familiar with smart plugs? I’m going to be running a portable air conditioner off of a solar power system. I want the air conditioner to come on from around noon until 5 PM to keep the batteries and equipment relatively cool. I won’t visit the place much during the summer.

Some days, the system will run out of juice until the next sunny day. Some days, it will run every day without a problem.

A timer is out because it will stop running when the inverter shuts down due to low voltage.

I was wondering if “smart” plugs keep an internal clock running? That way, when the inverter has power, they would keep the noon to 5 schedule for the air con.

My other option is to simply set the air con to something like 75 eff and let it auto restart whenever there is power. This will cycle the batteries more.

Thanks

 

[BrandonV]

Most smart switches lack on-board programming or a real-time clock. Instead, they rely on another platform—whether cloud-based or local—for programming and triggering. For reliable timekeeping, opting for a quality Intermatic or similar timer with a durable internal battery is a far more practical choice IMO. Especially one designed to switch loads higher than some Christmas lights.

 

[duneslider]

All the smart switches I have used need constant power and or internet connection to work.

You could get fancier and setup a raspberry pi (or some other microcontroller) that controlled the switch and if you had it on its own battery could keep it functioning forever basically. Most of these just need 5v to keep chugging along.

 

[walta]

I want the air conditioner to come on from around noon until 5 PM to keep the batteries and equipment relatively cool.

Some days, the system will run out of juice until the next sunny day. Some days, it will run every day without a problem.

This plan seems wrongheaded to me.

The added load from cooling the equipment is going to use energy and drain your batteries sooner.

Is the equipment shutting down with over temp error?

What is the max temp listed in the equipment’s specs?

My experience with “portable ACs has been negative. The ones with a single hose to the outdoors actually warm the room while providing a flow of cool air because 100% of all the expelled air gets replaced with hot outdoor air. The ones with twin outdoor hoses still have the hot compressor in the “cool” space seems inefficient at best.

Seems to me your equipment was designed to operate at your outdoor temps. If the room is a lot hotter than outdoors add a few fans.

 

[bluedog225]

It’s a 20’ conex with the rack batteries, an inverter, and controller. Insulated and divided in half. A small space to condition.

The dual hose air conditioner is vented out through the floor. This was my best option for security and protection against water intrusion.

The batteries (LiFePO4) preferr to be kept at human comfortable temperatures.

I’ll have adequate solar power to keep the batteries charged each day as long as there is sunlight. The inverter will attempt self restart three times when voltage is sufficient.

I can simply rely on the thermostat to maintain a set temperature. But I prefer to have the air conditioner run during the known hot times of the day. That is from noon to five. That way I can run the air conditioner off excess solar power and not cycle the batteries unnecessarily.

Wasn’t aware there were timers with internal batteries. That would be great. I’ll check it out the raspberry deal will probably work great also but a little beyond my abilities.

Thanks all.

 

[rooster59]

I don’t think you can run A/C through your typical smart plug. That’s a high amperage inductive load

 

[bluedog225]

Fair point. It’s an inverter based unit. Softer start. I’ll double check the amperage.

 

[Kezorm]

I was recently trying to figure out something for similar situation with off-grid solar and electric water heater. Ended up with connected pool pump controller. I have timer set up for it to only be on for a few controlled time windows during the day. And, easy on/off control from phone if I want to override schedule for any reason. Should be able to handle inverter A/C unit.

https://www.amazon.com/Suraielec-Controller-Powerful-Electrical-Appliances/dp/B08VRJSH5Z/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bluedog225]

It’s an interesting modern distinction between a “smart switch” and a programmable timer with battery backup.

 

[dogdog]

If you WiFi is within reach of that “smart switch” it would work fine and will act as a timer for on/off or on until etc type programming. I find it more convenient to program using an app than on that small lcd menu.

1) you really have to have a dumb ac with a on/off button only to use switch’s like these

2) they do sell WiFi build in acs even portable ones as well with all timer functions to the wazu.

3) Amazon used to/do sell WiFi dongles made specific for windows ac. It have all the timer functions. Maybe search for those. Power companies give them away for free but requires you to give them permission to control you.

I just search for “windows ac wifi controller” and something like this would come up.

Amazon.com

4) I forgot

5) I don’t remember what I forgot.

 

[bluedog225]

No wi fi out in my parts. Maybe one day.

 

[aandpdan]

Forget the wifi. Just use a timer like this: STO1 timer
The battery lasts for YEARS. No neutral or power is required.

 

[dave*99]

This type may work

Limited-time deal: BN-LINK 7 Day Outdoor Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer BND/U78, 125VAC, 60Hz, Dual Outlet, Weatherproof, Heavy Duty, Accurate For Lamps Ponds Christmas Lights 1875W 1/2HP ETL Listed
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G9RK4VV?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[niget2002]

I'd use one of these. I'd have the timer run on it's own 12v battery that's charged when the solar is working. It can switch up to 16A. The timer itself has very very little draw, so would likely never discharge the 12V battery over a couple of days.

I use one on my chicken coop to open/close the door.

Amazon.com